STAY SAFE, HAVE FUN, GO FISHING!

With summer fast approaching, this is a great opportunity for a timely reminder about some basic, common sense steps and simple precautions or procedures that will not only enhance your personal comfort and safety on or beside the water, but could actually save a life. Please take a moment to read these dozen vital tips and share them with others:

ANYWHERE ON OR AROUND THE WATER

1. Be “sun smart”: cover up, wear a hat and quality sunglasses, and regularly apply an SPF 30+ sunscreen lotion to any exposed skin.
2. Know at least basic first aid and resuscitation procedures, and have access to a well-stocked first aid kit.
3. If you can’t swim, never go fishing alone! Better yet, learn to swim… The life you save could be your own.
4. Tell someone responsible where you are going, when you expect to return and how you can be contacted.

FISHING FROM THE OCEAN ROCKS

1. Observe your chosen spot for at least 20 minutes from a safe vantage point before venturing out onto it.
2. Dress appropriately: wear shoes or sandals with good grip and loose-fitting, lightweight clothing you can easily swim in.
3. Seriously consider wearing an approved PFD or floatation vest, even if doing so is not mandated by law.
4. Carry a throw-able floatation aid or buoy attached to a 20 metre length of light rope.

BOAT AND KAYAK FISHING

1. Wear an approved PFD, buoyancy vest or life jacket whenever and wherever mandated by law, but also at any other time of increased risk.
2. Carry at least twice as much drinking water and fuel (in a power boat) as you think you’ll need.
3. Check all your safety gear at the beginning of the season and replace anything that’s damaged or out of date.
4. Know the rules of the water, watch out for others and be easily seen yourself. Operate navigation lights in low light or poor visibility.